Casualties unknown

1989-08-13: Piper PA-12 (N7542H) — Jaros, Martin R. — Windy Fork, AK

Windy Fork, AK, US

On August 13, 1989, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7542H) operated by Jaros, Martin R. was involved in an aviation accident near Windy Fork, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED WHILE OPERATING TO OR FROM THE GRAVEL BAR, WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL. THE RISING TERRAIN WAS CONSIDERED A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A aircraft on a sheep hunting trip was found crashed into rising terrain near a gravel bar after being overdue. Examination indicated a stall, with no mechanical anomalies found.

Overview

On August 20, 1989, an aircraft that had departed on a sheep hunting trip was found crashed into rising terrain near a gravel bar. The pilot and passenger had left on August 5, 1989, and were expected to return by August 19, 1989. When they did not return, a search was initiated, leading to the discovery of the wreckage.

Accident Details

The aircraft crashed into rising terrain close to a gravel bar. Evidence suggested that the accident may have occurred while the aircraft was being operated from the gravel bar. Examination of the crash site revealed that the aircraft impacted in a steep, nose-down attitude, which is consistent with a stall. The elevation of the crash site was approximately 2,800 feet.

Investigation

During the investigation, no mechanical anomalies of the aircraft were found. The pilot's last application for a medical certificate, dated December 16, 1988, reported a total flight time of 270 hours. The investigation did not identify any mechanical factors contributing to the accident. The wreckage location and impact characteristics were documented.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28996. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.